A few weeks ago, this cute little redhead almost called my bluff.

We were driving home from school – my four kids plus our two carpool friends. Riley kept unbuckling. I kept pulling over.

The big kids go to school about twenty minutes south of us, and we drive on a highway to get there. Unbuckling is not an option.

I thought the pulling over would work and that he’d be embarrassed in front of our friends. Nope.

I thought the threats of early bedtime and no playing in the cul-de-sac with friends would work. Nope.

I pulled out my last mom card – my very last one – we were going to the fire station to talk to the firemen if he didn’t buckle up.

But you know what – that sweet little four year old ball of energy wouldn’t do it – no way, no how.

I pulled into the driveway and even surprised myself a little when I told the big kids that Riley and I would be back. I asked Julia to watch Mary Alice and I asked Nate to start dinner. We pulled out of the driveway and in complete silence, we drove two blocks to our fire-station. When we arrived, I realized that he didn’t even have shoes on. I rang the doorbell and felt my heart pounding.

When a very kind man opened the door, I clumsily said, “I really hope you weren’t sleeping.” (It was like the scene in Dirty Dancing when Jennifer Grey said, “I carried a watermelon.” It was terrible). He laughed and said, “no ma’am, that’s just in the movies.” He looked down at Riley and said, “I bet you are here for a tour!”. I sheepishly explained that we weren’t here for a tour, but we were here to discuss seat belt safety. His countenance immediately changed and he nodded. He invited Riley in and we walked back to the big firetruck. He asked my permission to share a few edited stories and I agreed. I felt Riley’s arms wrap around my leg as another fireman walked up.

They were firm and kind. They explained how very important it is for us to all wear our seat belts with a few gently-conveyed stories. When they saw Riley’s face turn red, they softened and the visit turned into a tour.

The Scottsdale Fire Department was amazing with him. They gave him a hat and walked him through their kitchen. (Dinner smelled amazing and I was pretty sure they must be the best cooks in town.)

And to think, I almost gave in and just pulled into the driveway to give him a time out. But that wouldn’t have helped.

I was tired. I felt busy. I felt like I didnt’ have time to deal with this. But the next morning, this sweet thing reminded me why it is so important to never let them call your bluff. He said, “Mom, will you tell Fireman Joe and Fireman Andy that I’m wearing my seat belt?”.

I’m pretty sure we have a big batch of cookies we need to make.

In other news – I did text Brian something perfectly sassy about children who try to call my bluff. Someday they’ll learn this isn’t my first rodeo.